We prefer to know if our coffee & food was produced organically and if the farmers got their fair share, so we buy products that carry a Fair Trade certificate. But what about our music? Ever so often music labels are criticized for ripping off their contracted artists. Well, let’s see if that’s true. Let’s give an incentive for labels to pay their artists well and treat them fairly.
Could a Fair Trade Music label or certificate be the solution?
Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South. Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
Why not use this definition for Fair Trade Music, too:
Fair Trade Music is a music production and trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in music production and trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better music production and trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, music producers and workers – especially in Major Labels. Fair Music Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional music production and trade.
Is there already any initiative out there?
(And could someone please come up with a better name, and a logo?)
Update: There’s this initiative called fair-trade-music.de, but the website seems poorly maintained. Is this still active? (Thanks Martin!)
2 Comments
Of course a fair trade music label is a great concept. I just worry that since the music industry is such a shady business, their won’t be enough honest people in the business to keep this concept pure. I will certainly hold out hope!
Dave, good point. What about the same concept as Fair Trade – a United Nations-backed certification? Admittedly not the most agile solution. Maybe still worth it?